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The Background An estimated 1 billion people are affected by hypertension (high blood pressure) worldwide – uncontrolled hypertension can lead to complications such as heart attack or stroke. Those with the condition don’t usually show any signs or symptoms, and primary hypertension has no identifiable cause. Hypertension can be treated with medication, but such drugs … Read more

A randomised intervention study from Japan has compared the physical and mental health effects of daily full-immersion bathing with showering. The participant-reported results found here add practical insight to theories in favour of immersion bathing. The Background There are many lifestyle choices that have a direct impact on our health, such as smoking, exercise and … Read more

Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds that have been indicated by recent studies to protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Here, I discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms suggested to underpin the positive effects of flavonoids on the brain. The burden of neurodegenerative disease has evidently increased in our ageing population – Alzheimer’s disease is set … Read more

In my previous article I summarised the latest ideas for preventing food allergy in early human life, and I gave an honourable mention for treating established food allergies too. Here, I further discuss immunotherapy as an allergy treatment method, focusing on alternative routes of immunotherapy that could minimise evident safety concerns whilst improving treatment effectiveness. … Read more

In light of Allergy Awareness Week 2018 (23rd April – 29th April), here I review the latest potential food allergy prevention strategies which take a nutritional approach in the early years of life. I also discuss the concept of immunotherapy as a treatment method for those with established food allergies. The past two decades has … Read more

Mice genetically prone to developing dementia demonstrate a distinct gut bacteria profile that is enhanced by a coincident high-fat diet, a new study finds. Background to the gut-brain barrier There is growing evidence for gut bacteria contributing to the onset of neurological disorders, through what has been termed the ‘gut-brain axis’. The gut microbiota produce … Read more